Opinion by candidate Julian Burnside
I’ve lived in our community my whole life. I grew up here, I still live here. Right now, I think most people in our community are genuinely concerned about what kind of world we’ll hand over to the next generation.
I am proud to be running as your local candidate in the upcoming election. I know people in our community share the values of integrity, compassion and decency, but sadly this isn’t reflected in our parliament. People are fed up with politics as usual. If the people of Kooyong trust me with their vote, I can promise them this: I will listen to them.
In a country as wealthy as ours, no one in our community should be left behind. However, the current political system sees those in power paying more attention to their corporate donors than they do the community. My years doing pro bono human rights work have taught me how vital it is to listen to people’s concerns, and my years watching politics have shown me how sorely that skill is lacking in our parliamentarians. The current government is divided and dysfunctional. This needs to change.
Everyone of us deserves access to quality healthcare, education, and transportation no matter where we live or how much we earn. In the last six years in government, the Coalition has ripped money out of hospitals and schools. As your voice in parliament, I will fight for a fully-funded universal healthcare and education system for every child. I will champion stronger action on climate change and a transition to renewable energy, so we can leave the next generation a healthy planet and a sustainable economy.
What this comes down to, is care for our community. That’s why this election I’m running with the Greens, a party that values human rights. These are the values we need to restore within our parliament, and with your support there is a real possibility we will.
